Two-time presidential candidate Mitt Romney used life experiences, scriptures and a Mormon pioneer story to encourage Southern Virginia University graduates to live abundantly and in deep waters.

Romney addressed a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,800 people – nearly double the size of last year’s commencement audience – assembled on the front lawn of Southern Virginia’s historic Main Hall. In addition to 114 graduates and their family members and friends, local education and government leaders attended, including Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.

University leaders gave Romney an honorary doctorate, citing his family, church, academic and public service accomplishments, as well as his “remarkable, storied and celebrated career.”